Claiborne says coaching changes dont sway him

Mark Passwaters and Courtney Roland | AggieYell.com Staff

Before committing to Texas A&M last July, Port Allen (La.) LB Darian Claiborne seriously flirted with the idea of committing to the University of Nebraska. One of the people who convinced him that Aggieland was the right place for him was linebackers coach Matt Wallerstedt.

This past weekend, Claiborne made his official visit to A&M and spent a lot of time talking to Wallerstedt, who was in College Station the whole time. On the way home, however, Claiborne got a call from secondary coach Marcel Yates: Wallerstedt had been approached by Texas Tech one more time and offered their defensive coordinator's position -- and this time, he had taken it.

So, did the loss of his position coach mean a change in Claiborne's commitment? He quickly told AggieYell.com that wouldn't be the case.

"I, of course, like Coach Wally a lot," said Claiborne. "We talked on a regular basis while he was at A&M, but I am still an Aggie, 100 percent."

Claiborne said he got the impression it wouldn't be long until the Aggies name Wallerstedt's replacement.

"Coach Yates did not say any names," he said, "But he did say they had several people already lined up. I guess they have been looking just in case Coach Wally decided to leave."

Claiborne said there wasn't a lot of serious talk during his official visit; instead, he and the other visiting recruits concentrated on something else.

"We ate a lot," Claiborne said. "I am so full. I have never eaten so much."

Freshman linebacker Michael Richardson was Claiborne's host.

"It was great hanging out with him," Claiborne said. "His roommate DeVante Harris is hilarious and the same with Edward Pope. Those guys are by far the most outgoing and fun guys to hang out with."

While Claiborne said he was content with his commitment, one school -- TCU -- was still in pursuit.

"They want me to visit on Jan. 18," he said. "I am not sure though. I will talk with my family this week and call Coach Sumlin to see what he says. I am sold to A&M and the only reason I would consider visiting is just to take a trip. Like I said, though, first I will talk with Coach Sumlin."